Much is said today about the benefits of infusions to treat all kinds of discomfort; Among them, its depurative potential stands out. However, beyond the fact that some infusions can help the liver to work better, there are others that act on it, relieving common problems such as inflammation.
If you regularly have liver problems, you cannot stop reading everything that we will explain below. Take note of the best infusions for the liver!
The importance of the liver
The liver is a large organ; in fact, did you know that it is the largest in the human body? Its function is of vital importance for the body, since it is in charge of digesting food, storing energy and eliminating toxins.
How? Wasn’t the stomach responsible for digesting food? Yes, of course, but halfway. Let us refresh your memory. Food enters through the mouth, passes through the esophagus, and finally reaches the stomach, where it mixes with digestive systems and breaks down proteins.
Then, the undigested substances reach the pancreas, which is in charge of dealing with carbohydrates and proteins (those not digested by the stomach). The next organ to work is the liver, which secretes bile to break down fats.
Finally, the food reaches the large intestine where bacteria break down what is left of the food. Thus, all the nutrients are absorbed and the waste continues its way through the small intestine to the anus, where it is expelled.
When the liver does not work properly, fats do not break down properly and, therefore, we can lack energy and all kinds of diseases can occur. Fortunately, some natural infusions can help the liver to work properly by purifying it or by attacking the causes that generate inflammation.
The best infusions for the liver
In this article we want to emphasize those infusions that are used to relieve a fairly common condition: an inflamed liver.
Medically known as hepatomegaly and, in everyday life, as “enlarged liver”, this condition exhibits alterations in the tissues of the organ that require immediate action to avoid complications.
In general, the diagnosis is made casually since it usually occurs without symptoms. However, in some cases, fever, jaundice, abdominal pain and edema may occur.
Faced with this situation, apart from the relevant medical treatment, infusions for the liver can be a good help to control the disease and return the organ to health.
Nettle infusion
Nettle has been used since ancient times to purify the body due to its diuretic action. However, did you know that it also has antioxidant properties? It is worth remembering that antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidative damage by fighting free radicals.
Oxidative damage or stress generates inflammation. However, different studies have found that drinking nettle tea helps prevent inflammation.
Preferably use dried leaves, about a tablespoon per cup of water.
Put them in the boiling water and let them cook for 7 minutes. We advise you to incorporate honey, since its taste is bitter.
Artichoke infusion
Artichokes have enormous antioxidant potential that, would protect the liver from inflammation that causes discomfort and poor digestion of fats.
With two artichokes, you can prepare a liter of infusion to have ready and drink throughout the day. Chop them and plunge them into boiling water until soft. Turn off the heat and let them sit for 5 minutes before drinking.
Apple infusion
Researchers have found that apples are rich in phytochemicals such as catechin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. All of these have strong antioxidant properties and thus help prevent inflammation.
Use one apple per liter of water. Let it boil until cooked, then strain and drink. It will not be necessary to sweeten and you will see that it has a very pleasant flavor.
Grapefruit infusion
In this case, the anti-inflammatory action is due to the presence of naringenin and naringin, two compounds that protect the liver from injury and, of course, from inflammation due to their antioxidant action.
To make this infusion, chop a grapefruit with or without the skin (this is how you like it best. If you use it with the skin, remember to wash it well). Bring the water to a boil and add the grapefruit. Use the wooden spoon to help extract all the juices. Let it rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Faced with inflammation of the liver, do not hesitate and go to your doctor to obtain a timely diagnosis and treatment. Of course, you can drink these rich infusions as adjuvants. Ask the specialist about it.